Smilin' 'Duggy' DC-3 Returns to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

The Douglas DC-3 “Duggy,” known as “The Smile in the Sky” that helps young people discover the world of flight, is returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh where it will be on display at AeroShell Square throughout the week. "Duggy" will also be used as a jump plane by the Liberty Parachute Team for the opening of the afternoon air show each day at Oshkosh.

The airplane was built in 1942 and served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. The airplane was then owned by Transport Canada for 50 years before Harry Barr bought it in 1995. In 1998, Harry Thompson and Bob Odegaard obtained the airplane and in 2005, the DC-3 was reconditioned in its bright “Duggy” paint scheme created by illustrator Mitch Carley and began its “Dreams Do Come True!” mission at aviation events throughout the country.

In addition to “Capt. Bob” Odegaard, “Capt. Rob” Challans - who is also a business owner of the Duggy franchise - will be at Oshkosh greeting and meeting the kids and parents who attend EAA AirVenture. More information about “Duggy” is available at www.duggy.com. The airplane is also the “Airplane of the Month” at EAA’s www.youngeagles.org website.